Background In the process of hepatic fibrosis,the accumulation of collagen fibers is strongly related to the hepaticfunction.The aim of this study was to investigate the three-dimensional architecture of the collagen network in the liver ofrats with hepatic fibrosis.Methods Healthy adult male Wistar rats(n=32)were randomly divided into a control group(n=16)and a hepaticfibrosis group(n=16).In the control group,the rats were treated with peanut oil while the rats in hepatic fibrosis groupwere treated for 10 weeks with 60% CCl_4 diluted in peanut oil.The quantity of collagen fibers was detected by Westernblotting;distribution of the collagen was detected by sirius red staining and polarized microscope;the three-dimensionalarchitecture of collagen in the liver was observed under the scanning electron microscope after fixed tissues were treatedwith cell-maceration using NaOH.Statistical analysis was performed using the u test.Results The quantity of collagen fibers increased significantly in the hepatic fibrosis group.With the aggravation ofhepatic fibrosis,collagen fibers gradually accumulated.They interlaced the reticulation compartment and formed a roundor ellipse liver tissue conglomeration like a grape framework that was disparate and wrapped up the normal liver Iobule.The deposition of collagen fibers was obvious in adjacent hepatic parenchyma,especially around the portal tracts.Conclusion Our experiment showed the collagen proliferation and displays clearly the three-dimensional architectureof collagen fibers in rat liver with hepatic fibrosis by scanning electron microscope.It can provide a morphologicalfoundation for the mechanisms of changed haemodynamics and portal hypertension in hepatic fibrosis.Chin Med J 2007;120(4):308-312 Background In the process of hepatic fibrosis, the accumulation of collagen fibers is strongly related to the hepatic function. The aim of this study was to investigate the three-dimensional architecture of the collagen network in the liver ofrats with hepatic fibrosis. Methods Healthy adult male Wistar Rats (n = 32) were randomly divided into a control group (n = 16) and a hepatic fibrosis group (n = 16). In the control group, the rats were treated with peanut oil while the rats in hepatic fibrosis group treated for 10 weeks with 60% CCl_4 diluted in peanut oil. The quantity of collagen fibers was detected by Western blotting; distribution of the collagen was detected by sirius red staining and polarized microscope; the three-dimensionalarchitecture of collagen in the liver was observed under the scanning electron microscope after fixed tissues were treated with cell-maceration using NaOH. Statistical analysis was performed using the u test. Results The quantity of collagen fibers increased significantly in the hepatic fibrosis group. Whith the aggravation of hepatic fibrosis, the lamina of reycogenesis compartment and formed a roundor ellipse liver tissue conglomeration like a grape framework that was disparate and wrapped up the normal liver Iobule. deposition of collagen fibers was obvious in adjacent hepatic parenchyma, especially around the portal tracts. Contact our laboratory showed the collagen proliferation and displays clearly the three-dimensional architecture of collagen fibers in rat liver with hepatic fibrosis by scanning electron microscope. It can provide a morphological fill for the mechanisms of changed haemodynamics and portal hypertension in hepatic fibrosis. Chin Med J 2007; 120 (4): 308-312